Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board
Sister Cities Conference Room - Coral Gables Museum
Agenda — 31 items
- 1 The Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board will be holding its Regular Meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, commencing at 9:30 am EST. Members of the public may join the meeting via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83315833193. In addition, a dedicated phone line will be available so that any individual who does not wish (or is unable) to use Zoom may listen to and participate in the meeting. Meeting ID: 833 1583 3193 One tap mobile +17866351003,,83315833193# US (Miami) +19292056099,,83315833193# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 786 635 1003 US (Miami) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 470 381 2552 US (Atlanta) +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/koHpBvqy7 305-461-6769 (Coral Gables local number) To speak to the Merrick House Governing Board on an Agenda Item, please “Raise your Hand” or send a message to one of the meeting hosts using the Zoom Platform. If you joined the meeting via telephone, you can “Raise your hand” by pressing *9. The public may also comment on an item on the agenda using the City’s already-established e-comment function which may be found on the City’s website at: (www.coralgables.com/commissionmeetings) once the meeting’s agenda is published or by sending an email to cityclerk@coralgables.com prior to the start of the meeting.
- 2 PAGE BREAK
- I. CALL TO ORDER
- II. ROLL CALL
- 4 This meeting was Called to Order at 9:30 AM.
- III. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
- 1. Merrick House Board Meeting Minutes for May 11, 2026
- IV. NEW / OLD BUSINESS
- 1. Merrick House Activity Report - June 2026
- 2. Merrick House Activity Report - July 2026
- V. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
- VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS
- 3. Handheld Payment Device - Staff will schedule another training for docents and staff on the new devices. Will advise on whether Zelle is accepted.
- VII. ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
- 4. Sprinklers - The timing is off for the sprinklers. Staff has already addressed.
- VIII. ADJOURNMENT
- 5. House Moisture Updates - The board agreed that HVAC/AC and moisture problems must be addressed before additional window, woodwork or conservation repairs.
- 14 NOTE
- 6. Pond - The pond/pump system was overhauled and will be monitored until confirmed stable. No immediate replacement of fish. The front pond is a separate system.
- 7. Marketing - The board agreed that Merrick House needs a more proactive marketing effort, including exploring social media and broader promotion of tours and events. The first weekend in August had lots of visitors. The House reopening had been advertised in the Gazette and on the city website. Staff will inquire about a Facebook or Instagram page for the House.
- 8. DAR - "Daughters of the American Revolution" are looking for a plaque that was installed on the grounds of the Merrick House many years ago. Staff and the board will research historical photographs, city records for documentation of the plaque. If the plaque can be identified, determine whether it can be restored/reinstalled or otherwise appropriately commemorated.
- 9. Holiday Open House - The board settled on December 6th for this event, despite the potential for reduced Public Works support. The House will be open to visitors, but regular guided tours will not be conducted. Invitations to go out by December 1st. Santa Claus - Staff will be looking for a new Santa which includes a required background check and will try to handle the application and coordination with Parks & Recreation (site plan & vendor names needed for Special Events Application by October.) The board will provide candy canes, cookies, popcorn, water and apple cider. Board members will contact 2 - 3 children's choir to perform as well as the Garden Club, The Villagers, local churches and the honey vendor to set up tables. Board members need to reach out to the Symphonettes and Christopher Columbus High School for volunteers to assist with set-up and games. Vice Chair Burke - Crafts Board member Seipp - Cookies Board member Rodriguez - Choir Board member Cason - Candy Canes
- 18 Toy Drive - Board members discussed contacting the Fire Department about establishing a Merrick House collection point for the toy drive.
- 10. Architectural Drawings - Chairperson Orr discussed purchasing a set of 8 architectural drawings created by Ana Alas of the City for Merrick House using proceeds from the Vintage Market event. Staff advised that the drawings are not within the purview of the board. Staff will provide the trust fund language at the next meeting.
- 11. Docent Appreciation Dinner - The event date was not decided and this event is cancelled.
- 12. Docent Recruitment - The House has 7 docents currently. Docent recruitment efforts will continue because coverage remains difficult. Several candidates are at various stages of approval.
- 13. Porch - Vice Chairperson Burke suggests using oil based paint for the porch to resist mildew.
- 14. Vintage Market - Event date 9/26/2026 - The House will be open with visitors encouraged to make donations rather than paying a tour admission.
- 15. Pumpkin Palooza - Date to be confirmed, October 4th or the 11th. Staff to confirm the application was received by Special Events. This is not a city event and approximately 200 people are expected.
- 16. Brass Concert - Event Date - Sunday, November 8th - Brass band fee is $750. Staff and board to confirm date with performers and event logistics.
- 30 This meeting was Adjourned at 10:57 A.M.
Watch Coral Gables
This is one agenda. Coral Gables publishes another every few weeks, and the thing you care about is rarely on the one you happened to find. Name it and we will email you when it appears.
Free for 14 days, no card — and nothing charges itself: at day 14 the emails simply stop unless you choose to subscribe ($19 a month). One email when something matches, and nothing else. Unsubscribe from any of them. Searching stays free — it is public record.